Of course, the most important thing on my mind is that 2007 marks the 25th anniversary of CHIPS. As you can imagine, we are pretty excited about attaining this milestone since not many publications reach this venerable age.
We couldn't have done it without the support of the many contributors to CHIPS who have made this possible: The Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer (DON CIO), the DON Information Technology Umbrella Program team, the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command and systems centers, our authors, technical experts, and DON and Defense Department program managers and senior leadership, who are always gracious and willing to talk to the CHIPS staff.
I've saved the best for last — you — our loyal readers! Thank you for your continuing support of CHIPS. Please join us in our year of celebration by contributing your ideas and articles to CHIPS via e-mail to chips@navy.mil. Look for a special anniversary issue coming up this year!
In the last few months, I have had the privilege to interview Deputy Assistant Secretary RDT&E, Dr. Michael McGrath; U.S. Joint Forces Command Standing Joint Force Headquarters-Core Element (our cover story); Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, Rear Adm. Donald Bullard; and the new N6, Vice Adm. Mark Edwards.
The 11th annual Naval NETWAR FORCEnet Enterprise and Industry Conference was a highlight in November. The conference, held in San Diego, featured top-notch speakers and opportunities to engage with DON and DoD program managers and senior officials.
November 28, 2006, we attended the stirring Second Fleet change of command ceremony on Naval Base Norfolk. Vice Adm. Evan M. Chanik relieved Vice Adm. Mark P. Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald departed 2nd Fleet to become the Director, Navy Staff in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.
Perhaps the most moving experience I had was communicating by e-mail with the recently selected DON CIO, Rob Carey, who is currently serving as plans officer for a construction regiment in Iraq. It was just before the holidays and the poignant reminder of so many of our Sailors, Marines, Soldiers and Airmen serving America so far from home during this happy time evoked renewed feelings of humbleness and appreciation in the face of their bravery and self-sacrifice. I know they are always uppermost in your mind too.
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